Admiral Alvin Holsey, the head of U.S. Southern Command, has announced his retirement, set for December, following a tenure marked by contentious military operations in the Caribbean and off the coast of South America. Holsey, who assumed leadership in November, oversees a region that includes the Caribbean Sea and South American waters. His departure comes just two days after the U.S. military conducted its fifth deadly strike in the Caribbean against a small vessel accused of drug trafficking. The Trump administration has labeled alleged drug traffickers as ‘unlawful combatants,’ justifying the use of military force. This approach has sparked growing frustration on Capitol Hill, with Republicans demanding more information on the legal basis for the strikes, while Democrats argue they violate both U.S. and international law. In a statement on the command’s Facebook page, Holsey expressed pride in his 37 years of service, emphasizing the contributions of the SOUTHCOM team to national defense. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also praised Holsey’s dedication in a social media post, thanking him for his decades of service. The Pentagon has not provided further details, referring inquiries to Hegseth’s statement. The New York Times first reported Holsey’s retirement plans.
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What could the CIA do on Trump’s orders in Venezuela?
In a rare public acknowledgment, U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed his authorization of covert CIA operations in Venezuela, a move typically shrouded in secrecy. This presidential finding grants the CIA broad authority to conduct activities in the region, including targeted strikes against suspected drug traffickers and efforts to destabilize or overthrow the regime of Nicolás Maduro. Such authorizations, historically used to support foreign policy objectives and national security, have previously led to drone strikes, funding for insurgencies, and even regime changes in other countries. While these operations must be reported to congressional intelligence committees, they do not require legislative approval, leaving significant discretion to the president. Former CIA officials note that the scope of these actions can vary widely, from targeted killings to covert influence campaigns, with historical precedents in Latin America and beyond. Critics, however, caution against the potential risks and ethical dilemmas posed by such interventions, citing past U.S. actions in countries like Nicaragua, Afghanistan, and Syria. The specifics of the current authorization remain unclear, leaving open questions about its implementation and long-term implications.
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US prosecutors charge Smartmatic in alleged $1M Philippines bribery case
Federal prosecutors in Miami have leveled serious charges against voting technology firm Smartmatic, accusing the company of money laundering and other crimes tied to alleged bribery schemes in the Philippines. According to a superseding indictment filed in a Florida federal court, several Smartmatic executives, including co-founder Roger Pinate, are accused of paying over $1 million in bribes to Philippine election officials between 2015 and 2018. The payments were allegedly made to secure a government contract for managing the 2016 presidential election and ensuring timely payment for services rendered. Pinate, who no longer works for Smartmatic but remains a shareholder, has pleaded not guilty to the charges. This criminal case emerges as Smartmatic is embroiled in a separate $2.7 billion defamation lawsuit against Fox News, alleging the network falsely accused the company of rigging the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Smartmatic has vehemently denied the allegations, claiming the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Miami has been misled and influenced by unnamed powerful interests. The company stated, ‘This is again, targeted, political, and unjust. Smartmatic will continue to stand by its people and principles. We will not be intimidated by those pulling the strings of power.’ Prosecutors have also sought to introduce evidence suggesting that revenue from a $300 million contract with Los Angeles County was diverted into a ‘slush fund’ controlled by Pinate through offshore shell companies and fake invoices. Additionally, Pinate is accused of bribing Venezuela’s former election chief with a luxury home in Caracas, allegedly to mend relations after Smartmatic’s abrupt exit from Venezuela in 2017. A hearing on these allegations is scheduled for next month. Founded over two decades ago in Venezuela, Smartmatic gained prominence under the late President Hugo Chavez and expanded globally, providing election technology in 25 countries. However, the company claims its business suffered significantly following Fox News’ coverage of the 2020 election controversy.
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Giga Computing and KERNO Enterprises announce regional service partnership at GITEX Dubai 2025
At the prestigious GITEX Dubai 2025 event, Giga Computing Technology Co., Ltd., a leading Taiwanese technology firm, and KERNO Enterprises FZE, a prominent UAE-based company, unveiled a groundbreaking regional service partnership. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in their shared mission to enhance technological and service excellence across the GCC region. Under the newly signed agreement, KERNO has been appointed as the official service center for GIGABYTE server products in the GCC, solidifying its role as a trusted partner for Giga Computing. This partnership reflects both companies’ commitment to delivering world-class professional support and advancing regional technology independence. KERNO’s local Arabic-speaking team of engineers, trained and certified by Giga Computing, will manage all after-sales, RMA, and mission-critical service requests. Customers can now access 24/7 support through a dedicated web platform, ensuring faster turnaround times and flexible service options, including remote troubleshooting and on-site interventions. The collaboration aligns with the UAE’s “Make it in the Emirates” strategy, promoting local manufacturing and service ecosystem growth. Paul Smirnov, deputy COO at KERNO Enterprises, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating that it underscores KERNO’s capability to provide world-class services with local expertise. Jay Lee, managing director for the Middle East at Giga Computing, highlighted the benefits of faster and more reliable customer support through this alliance.
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Yemen’s Houthis say chief of staff Muhammad al-Ghamari was killed
Yemen’s Houthi movement revealed on Thursday that their Chief of Staff, Muhammad Abd Al-Karim al-Ghamari, a prominent military figure within the Iran-backed group, was killed while performing his duties. The Houthis stopped short of directly accusing Israel of his death but emphasized that their conflict with Israel remains unresolved. They vowed that Israel would face “deterrent punishment” for its alleged crimes. The Houthis have previously launched missile attacks toward Israel, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, most of which were intercepted. In response, Israel has conducted strikes on Houthi-controlled regions in Yemen. The death of al-Ghamari marks a significant moment in the ongoing tensions between the Houthis and Israel, further complicating the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.
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Former Trump adviser John Bolton criminally indicted
John Bolton, the former national security adviser to Donald Trump and a prominent critic of the president, has been indicted on federal charges. The Department of Justice presented evidence to a grand jury in Maryland, which concluded that there was sufficient grounds to proceed with the indictment. This development follows an FBI investigation into Bolton’s handling of classified information, which included searches of his home and office in August. Bolton, 76, is the third of Trump’s political opponents to face criminal charges in recent weeks, joining former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Bolton has denied any wrongdoing, and his attorney, Abbe Lowell, has maintained that Bolton handled records appropriately. Bolton was dismissed from Trump’s administration in 2019 and later published a memoir, *The Room Where It Happened*, which criticized Trump’s leadership and decision-making. The White House attempted to block the book’s publication, citing concerns over classified information, but a judge allowed its release. The Justice Department subsequently launched an investigation into Bolton’s alleged mishandling of sensitive material. When questioned about the indictment, Trump distanced himself from the case but labeled Bolton as ‘a bad guy’ and previously called him ‘grossly incompetent’ and ‘a liar.’ The indictment adds to the growing list of Trump critics facing legal challenges, raising concerns about the politicization of justice in the U.S.
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Lightning strikes can exempt airlines from compensation, EU court says
The European Union’s highest court has declared that lightning strikes on aircraft may be classified as ‘extraordinary circumstances,’ potentially exempting airlines from compensating passengers for significant delays or cancellations. This landmark ruling emerged from a case brought by a passenger who experienced a seven-hour delay on a flight from Romania to Austria after the aircraft was struck by lightning and required replacement. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) emphasized that such incidents necessitate mandatory safety inspections, which can justify the airline’s exemption from compensation obligations. However, the court also stipulated that it is the responsibility of national courts to determine whether the airline implemented all reasonable measures to mitigate the impact of such extraordinary events. This decision aligns with a 2017 ruling where the CJEU categorized bird strikes as extraordinary circumstances, further solidifying the legal framework for airline liability in unforeseen situations.
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Sudan’s cholera outbreak worsens amid conflict and heavy rains
Sudan is facing an escalating cholera crisis, exacerbated by ongoing conflict, mass displacement, and relentless heavy rains. The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms over a ‘concerning case fatality rate’ of 2.8 percent, nearly triple the emergency threshold of 1 percent, signaling an urgent need for a robust response. As of October 13, Sudan’s Ministry of Health reported over 120,000 cholera cases and more than 3,300 deaths nationwide. In Darfur alone, 17,246 cases and 570 deaths have been recorded across all five states since the outbreak began in Nitega, South Darfur, in May. The international humanitarian organization CARE highlighted that the conflict has displaced millions, forcing families into overcrowded camps with limited access to clean water and collapsed sanitation systems. Cholera is spreading rapidly through communities already on the brink of survival, with women, children, and the elderly bearing the brunt of the crisis. The situation is further compounded by the destruction of over 75 percent of health facilities, making healthcare increasingly inaccessible. CARE Sudan warned that the humanitarian response is severely underfunded and overstretched, with shortages of medical supplies, chlorine, hygiene kits, and insufficient water trucking capacity hampering efforts to reach affected communities. The lack of sustained funding threatens to undermine ongoing interventions, potentially worsening the crisis as the rainy season persists.
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UN condemns military takeover in Madagascar as coup leader to be quickly sworn in as president
The United Nations has strongly denounced the recent military coup in Madagascar, as Colonel Michael Randrianirina is poised to be sworn in as the nation’s president just days after leading the armed forces’ takeover. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, through his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, condemned the unconstitutional shift in power, urging a swift return to constitutional order and the rule of law. Randrianirina, who signed a statement as the president of the “refounded” republic, is scheduled to take office at a ceremony at the High Constitutional Court on Friday. Ousted President Andry Rajoelina fled the country following the rebellion, citing threats to his life, and his current location remains undisclosed. The African Union has suspended Madagascar’s membership, expressing total rejection of the coup. The military takeover followed three weeks of intense anti-government protests, primarily led by young citizens frustrated with systemic corruption, poverty, and lack of opportunities. The movement, dubbed “Gen Z Madagascar,” mirrors youth-led uprisings in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Randrianirina, alongside his elite CAPSAT unit, joined the protests last weekend, leading to widespread military defections against Rajoelina. The colonel announced that a military council would govern the country for up to two years before new elections are held. Madagascar, a nation of 30 million, has faced persistent challenges, including poverty, drought, and political instability since gaining independence from France in 1960. This marks the latest in a series of coups, including the 2009 military takeover that initially brought Rajoelina to power.
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Cameroon ruling party office torched after election fraud claims, rising tensions
YAOUNDE, Cameroon — The Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), the nation’s governing party, reported on Thursday that one of its offices in the western city of Dschang was set on fire. This incident marks the latest escalation in the ongoing political turmoil following the October 12 presidential election, which has been marred by allegations of electoral fraud. Jean Nkuete, the party’s secretary general, confirmed the arson attack in a statement, vowing to pursue legal action against those responsible. Videos of the burning building circulated widely on social media and local news outlets, amplifying the unrest. The fire comes amid heightened tensions after opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary prematurely declared victory last week, urging 92-year-old President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest sitting president, to concede. Biya’s party has dismissed Tchiroma’s claims, accusing him of attempting to disrupt the electoral process. The constitutional court is expected to announce the final election results by October 26. Meanwhile, Tchiroma has alleged vote tampering, echoing reports from civil society groups of irregularities, including attempted ballot stuffing. Protests erupted in several cities on Wednesday night, with demonstrators in Douala, the economic capital, setting barricades ablaze. Security forces responded with tear gas and water cannons, though no casualties have been reported. The Prefect of Wouri, Sylyac Marie Mvogo, condemned the unrest, emphasizing that election matters should be handled by competent authorities. Analysts predict a victory for Biya, citing a divided opposition and the disqualification of his strongest rival in August. Tchiroma, a former government spokesperson, has garnered significant support from opposition parties and civic groups. Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, faces ongoing challenges, including a secessionist movement in the west and widespread corruption, despite the country’s rich natural resources.